tassel

1 of 2

noun

tas·​sel ˈta-səl How to pronounce tassel (audio)
 usually of corn  ˈtä-,
ˈtȯ-
1
: a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end
2
: something resembling a tassel
especially : the terminal male inflorescence of some plants and especially corn

Illustration of tassel

Illustration of tassel
  • tassel 1

tassel

2 of 2

verb

tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling ˈta-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce tassel (audio)

transitive verb

: to adorn with tassels

intransitive verb

: to put forth tassel inflorescences

Examples of tassel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Tie large and small tassels to doorknobs, the keys to a writing desk, or the pull of a dresser drawer. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 For the most decorative effect, choose fabrics with eye-catching colors and designs, and have fun with trims, tassels, fringe, or bold banding to give your treatments a finished look. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 Around her hips, black tassels create the illusion of a full skirt. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 13 Feb. 2024 The area outside the Tokyo Dome was packed hours before doors opened on the first night Wednesday, with fans decked out in glitter, tassels, tiaras and kimonos. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024 Loafers typically feature leather or suede designs with either tassels, a bow, or a simple strap over the tongue. Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2024 Featuring a gorgeous triangle pattern and adorned with tassels at the ends, this blanket not only looks amazing when draped over furniture but also provides the perfect companion for snuggling up. Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 Instead, Parisians gravitate toward pashmina-like cashmere or Scandinavian-style chunky shawls, like this checked one with tassels. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2024 Staying true to the inspiration, the jewelry is designed with stones and styles true to the west such as mother of pearl, turquoise stones and bolo necklace with tassels. People Staff, Peoplemag, 19 Jan. 2024
Verb
The Colombian singer wore flowers for earmuffs, and spread her arms to reveal rainbow day-glo tassels streaming from her elbows. Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2023 Corn was just starting to tassel across much of the Midwest, including fields in southern Indiana, a golden crown signaling the end of the season. Journal Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tassel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, clasp, tassel, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *tassellus, alteration of Latin taxillus small die; akin to Latin talus anklebone, die

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tassel was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tassel

Cite this Entry

“Tassel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tassel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tassel

1 of 2 noun
tas·​sel ˈtas-əl How to pronounce tassel (audio)
 also especially of corn  ˈtäs-,
ˈtȯs-
1
: a hanging ornament made of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
2
: something resembling a tassel
especially : the male flower cluster on the top of some plants and especially corn

tassel

2 of 2 verb
tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to adorn with or put forth tassels

More from Merriam-Webster on tassel

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